Villa Raffaelli

Villa Raffaelli Overview

First Impressions

You know what hits you first about Villa Raffaelli? It’s not just another converted villa — this place actually feels like someone’s elegant family home that happens to welcome guests. Tucked away on a quiet street in Fosciandora, this four-star property sits in the kind of Tuscan setting where you half expect to see someone’s nonna hanging laundry in the garden next door. The building itself has that weathered stone charm that you can’t fake, and honestly, the 9.6 rating makes perfect sense once you’re here.

Location & Getting Around

Fosciandora isn’t exactly a household name, but that’s sort of the point — you’re in authentic Tuscany without the tour bus crowds. The villa sits in this sweet spot where you can actually hear church bells and roosters in the morning, but you’re not completely cut off from civilization. There’s free private parking right on site, which is honestly a godsend because navigating these narrow Italian streets with a rental car can be… well, let’s just say it’s character-building. Recent guests rated the location a solid 9.1, and I get why — couples especially seem to love how peaceful it feels here.

The Room Experience

My room had this perfect mix of old-world character and modern comfort that’s surprisingly hard to find. The ceilings were high, the floors were original tile, and the bathroom was updated without losing that Italian villa feel. What I really appreciated was how quiet everything was — thick walls mean you’re not hearing your neighbors’ conversations or the plumbing every time someone takes a shower. The beds are actually comfortable too, which isn’t always a given in historic properties like this.

Activities & Amenities

Here’s where Villa Raffaelli surprised me — they’ve got a tennis court tucked away behind the main building, and there’s a fitness center that’s small but well-equipped. If you’re into golf, there’s a course within a couple miles that locals actually play (not just a tourist trap). The grounds are bigger than they look from the street, with plenty of spots to sit with a book or just watch the light change on the hills. It’s the kind of place where you might plan to explore the region every day, then end up spending half your time just enjoying the property itself.

Why Guests Love It

The staff here gets it — they’re helpful without being hovering, and they know the area well enough to give you actual recommendations instead of just pointing you toward the obvious tourist spots. The whole place has this relaxed elegance that feels genuine rather than staged for Instagram. Couples consistently rate it highly because it strikes that perfect balance between romantic and comfortable — you can dress up for dinner or wander around in your pajamas, and either feels completely appropriate. It’s the kind of place that makes you understand why people fall in love with this part of Italy.

To book hotel in Tuscany for harvest season, travelers claim vineyard suites pairing grape stomps with lantern-lit dinners.

Villa Raffaelli Accommodations

Reviews of Villa Raffaelli

• Martin from Slovakia (10/10)

  A very nice place to rest, everything is clean and nicely decorated. It has a beautiful view of the mountains, and the yard is the right place to enjoy. The interior of the house is a real small museum that took us back to some old times. Each room is decorated differently and something interesting can be found for everyone. The host is kind, all praises.

• Liezl from Netherlands (9/10)

  A group of friends stayed in the magnificent Villa for 4 nights and it was wonderful. The view is next level and the hot tub was amazing. We made wonderful meals in the kitchen. The house is very big and historic – a true Villa from Tuscany

• Calum from United Kingdom (10/10)

  There are not many opportunities to stay in a grand 16th century house, and this is exceptionally well looked after. Of course it means most of the furnishings are antique, but that's how it should be. That said, it has an extremely well built modern swimming pool and a jacuzzi in an old well. We stayed as a group of eight and it was perfect for us. The outside areas are perfect for dining and relaxing. There is even a gym! The kitchen has everything you need to cook large meals and there are two ovens. Leonardo was one of the most helpful hosts I've ever encountered. He recommended a wine tasting and local hikes. And there's tonnes to do nearby in the whole Garfagnana valley. Supermarkets and the town of Castelnuovo mean you have everything on hand. Roads up to the villa are tight but really well maintained. You won't have any trouble getting there (we managed the drive from Firenze airport after dark with no problems). The view of the hills each day is just stunning. We very much hope to return.

• Przemyslaw from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Very traditional villa with stunning mountains view. From the moment you walk in to the property you will feel so special. We came with group of friends to celebrate my birthday. We had such an amazing time. From the moment we landed in Pisa to the moment we left we were feeling so special. Huge thank you to
  Leonardo and his team for helping us with everything. We didn’t have to worry about anything. They literally organised everything. Dinners at the villa, transport, trips, local food etc. Very highly recommend place to stay. Will definitely come back again soon.

• Nana from Australia (9/10)

  Our host was exceptionally friendly and helpful. The villa was a treasure built in1500s and full of fabulous artifacts. The garden including pool and spa were amazingly beautiful with awesome views of the Apuan mountains. Peaceful and tranquil away from the hustle and bustle.

• James from United Kingdom (9/10)

  true renaissance property in picturesque location.
  when walking in you really do appreciate how stunning this property is, and there is ample space to spread several families across the grounds.
  
  Leonardo was very helpful and easy to talk to, a credit for sure

• Giulio from Italy (9/10)

  The Villa is a unique place where u can enjoy the elegance of the past. The place is huge perfect for large family or group of friends.

• Elena from Germany (10/10)

  Tolle Unterkunft, viel Charm und Charakter. Man fühlt sich im Haus wie in einem Museum und der Außenbereich ist einfach ein Traum – Bella Italia! Der Vermieter war super freundlich und aufmerksam, wir haben uns wohl gefühlt!

• Menekse from Belgium (10/10)

  Zwembad met uitstekende uitzicht

• Superdukebiker from Germany (10/10)

  Die Villa ist ein riesiges Anwesen aus dem.Jahr 1582. Das Ambiente ähnelt dem einer Burg. Imponierend ist die gigantische Terrasse mit Garten, auf der man am Tisch sitzen, in der Sonne liegen, oder abends mit einer Feuerschale den.Tag ausklingen lassen kann. Im Salon nebenan ist das Speisezimmer für bis zu 10 Personen, wo man meim.Abendessen durch fensterlose Bögen in den Sonnenuntergang schaut.

Facilities